Toxic Algae Advisory Issued For Spanaway Lake

SPANAWAY, WA — The Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department issued a toxic algae advisory for Spanaway Lake Friday.

Health officials say that doesn't mean visitors have to avoid the lake altogether, but if they do they'll need to look out for the algae— or suffer some nasty health effects.

They say if visitors see algae in the water, don't swim, wade or fish near it. Instead, move somewhere else. Toxic algae, or cyanobacteria, form a layer of scum on top of the water. Algae is normally green but can be brown, red, or blue depending on the strain.

Anyone who comes in contact with algae can end up with several symptoms including muscle weakness, rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. The algae can be particularly harmful to young children and pets, so parents and pet owners will want to be extra careful.

The health department says, if your pet jumps into the lake, wash them off before they can lick their fur and get sick. Any pet that shows symptoms like lethargy, convulsions, vomiting, or diarrhea after coming into contact with the algae should be taken to the vet.

The advisory lasts for at least two weeks, but the health department says they will examine the lake again next week to see if the advisory can be lifted after the two weeks are up. In the meantime the health department says to stay alert, and when in doubt, stay out of the water.

More information on toxic algae can be found at the health department's website here.